Volunteers at FINA World Swimming Championships commended

16/1/98

Sport and Recreation Minister Norman Moore has praised the army of volunteers at the FINA World Swimming Championships.

Mr Moore said that about 1,500 volunteers were involved, many of whom worked for long hours to be a part of this world-class event.

The volunteers were used in a variety of roles, from checking entry tickets, to overseeing seating allocations, prize-giving ceremonies and manning information desks.

Mr Moore said that the past six events in the Best on Earth in Perth series - which will see a record 12 events in 12 months - had involved 4,500 volunteers.

"These volunteers are an invaluable and integral part of making any event a success," he said.

The Minister said the World Swimming volunteers were being watched by Sydney 2000 Olympics and Commonwealth Games representatives to assess the customer service model being used here.

He said many people had different reasons for volunteering.

Some were motivated by the chance to be directly involved in a world event because they were passionate about the sport or simply to gain work experience.

Perth's API Rally Australia won a Volunteer Management Award for its management and training program for such a big number of volunteers.

A Golden Service Award would be presented at the World Swimming Championships closing ceremony on Sunday to the volunteer who has given the best customer service.

"There is a wealth of wonderful, hard-working people in Western Australia who have given so much to this and other events," Mr Moore said.

"They cannot be thanked enough for their time and effort and we hope that they, in turn, find it a rewarding experience."

Media contacts: Carolyn Vicars, 9270 3311

Hartley Joynt, Minister's office 08 9 321 1444